This album has been in my queue for months, but only recently - and after repeated year-end accolades - did I give it a first listen. I’m going to need more listens, because nothing stopped me in my tracks on the first spin.

That’s usually a sign for me. A pause, a replay, a what did they say, or what was that sound? Nothing yet, but I’ll give it one more go ‘round.

boygenius “the record” (2023) ⭐️

My rating system:

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heavy Rotation

⭐️⭐️ If the mood fits

⭐️ Once is enough

The last track is what did it.

For years, the algorithm has put every new billy woods release out front, and I think I hit play on all of them. Once. Despite being a near 100% match given my tastes, none of his projects clicked until a recent replay of “Red Dust,” the closing track of Hiding Places.

For some reason, that song opened up the entire woods catalog to my ears, as if you added a drop of water into a glass of scotch. I’m all in, and have some catching up to do.

billy woods & Kenny Segal “Hiding Places” (2019)  ⭐️⭐️⭐️

My rating system:

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heavy Rotation

⭐️⭐️ If the mood fits

⭐️ Once is enough

I keep my music rating system simple:

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heavy Rotation

⭐️⭐️ If the mood fits

⭐️ Once is enough